A/N: I'm back, lovelies! This chapter might seem a bit rushed but will be needed for the next one that will start to get super intense.

Durr: Chapter 8 was so much fun to right, steamy Zutara always leaves me fainted.

jacpin2002: Zuko will but not without angst (coming soon)

Guest Xx: Only time will tell where Katara's involvement will be in all this.

Amanda: It's not the end, Ozai definitely has something up his sleeve.

caribbianbeauty17: Thank you for following!

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: the Last Airbender

The sound of tapping irked Toph out of concentration. In an effort to be nice once in a while, she allowed her friend to continuously smack the end of his pen on her desk, causing her to groan in annoyance and clench her teeth.

She knew he was on edge. His visit was in regard to the never-ending conflict Zuko had with his father and she couldn't, for the life of her, understand why he just didn't just leave Phoenix. He was obviously unhappy. Ozai had been the puppeteer most of Zuko's life. Control and treachery was a Agni trait that surprisingly stopped with Zuko.

They had known each other since childhood, the Beifongs only close to the Agnis due to similar interest, and that was money. Albeit, it never dismissed the love and care her parents had for her, despite their overprotectiveness, Zuko's family, on the other hand, was highly dysfunctional. Just learning where his scar came from even had the head strong girl cringe in disgust. How anyone could even consider punishing their child in the most immoral way was beyond her.

But what was even more depressing, was that Zuko still tried to please his father at every turn, accepting his scar as a justified punishment a parent displayed on their child and going out of his way to prove that he could be an honorable son.

Even dating Mai was gut clenching. Luckily, for the sorry hag, Toph never stomped her to the ground for the verbal and mental abuse she inflicted on Zuko, who catered to her every whim. In fact, Mai never bothered to come around Zuko when Toph was in his company.

Good, Toph would always mumble, she knows her place.

"For the love of all that is holy," Toph deadpanned. "if you continue with that racket, I'll break your fingers." It was only a matter of time before she cracked.

Zuko grimaced, deceasing his taping and opting to twirl the pen between his fingers. "Sorry, Toph. A lot on my mind."

"You don't say." Toph countered. "Look, I get that you're on the brink of mental breakdown, nothing new there, but can, you know, maybe do it quietly?"

"I'm jus-I'm just worried what he's up to." Zuko carelessly tossed the pen on Toph's desk and rubbed his face with both hands. "He's up to something, I know it."

Whatever punishment his father had planned will soon occur. No one got away with smart mouthing Ozai, even with a hint of threat in their tone. He figured his father would either go out of his way to humiliate him, or fire him, or send a hit man out on him, who the fuck knew. Ozai wasn't one to be dealt with and Zuko was pretty sure he'd eventually lose everything he worked hard for due to his insubordination.

But thinking back to the last few months he's spent with Katara, he wouldn't change it for the world. At this point in their relationship, he wasn't afraid to admit that he was falling hard for her. From the moment he opened his eyes at first sunrise to the time he laid his head on his pillow at night, the only thing he could visualize were her kind eyes and her sweet smile.

"Ew, what's with the goofy look there, Sparky? You're grossing me out." Toph gagged.

Zuko rolled his eyes, resting his chin on the edge of the desk. "You don't think it's possible that Katara would say no to me asking her to make…" he paused, searching for the right words. "us official."

Toph's ears perked up. Tilting her head, she scoffed. "You two weirdos have been off in lala land since you've…dated? Is that what you call it?" She grinned, a blush crept up his neck. "Look, I'm all in favor of you and Sugar Queen hitting it off but don't you think you should inform her of your…family history."

Zuko sighed, relented by the one thing he wanted to prolong as much as he could. "I'm aware that I can't keep it from her for long, I really see us going somewhere. But how do you tell the one person you genuinely care about that you come from a fucked-up family, with a demented sister, a slightly distant mother and a father who'd gladly sell your soul for dime and a hint of social respect?"

They sat silently, leaning back in separate seats opposite between the desk. "Geez, Sparky, you ask me as though I'm any good at this stuff. Do I look like the love guru to you?" Toph exclaimed. "Just take my advice for once; leave your father's dingy company and make something else of yourself so you don't have to keep screwing my friend behind your psycho dad's back."

"Your words of reassurance are astonishing, I'm surprised your enthusiasm hasn't been voted for prep rallies."

"I know right? It's like you guys can't get on with your lives without a little Toph tough love. I might just have to reassess making you compensate for all the effort I put into kicking your butts. Now scram, I know you've been watching the clock waiting for Katara to come back from lunch."

The goofy grin plastered on his face was a bullseye. But she couldn't help but smirk, shaking her head, as her friend retrieved his suit jacket from the back of his chair and made to exit through her office door.

"Uh, Toph?" Zuko stopped in the doorway. "I really appreciate, you know, being there for me and all…" He cleared his throat. Zuko was never good at the sentimental stuff.

"Ugh, just get out of here, will ya." Toph retorted, Zuko smiled tapping his hand against the archway and rushed out the office. "Finally, peace and quiet."


Aang, Katara and Ty lee entered the lobby coming back from lunch. It was Ty Lee's turn to pick a place to eat and neither Aang nor Katara were at all surprised by her choice. Tiny sandwiches and an overload of sweets is not what either of them would call a satisfying lunch.

It didn't matter. The radiant smile on Ty Lee's face was somewhat worth it.

"I can't tell you how happy I am that you guys came out with me!" The girl exclaimed, "I've been wanting to go to that café forever but Zuko and Azula never want to go." Her cheeks puffed out in a pout.

Aang laughed whole-heartedly, opening the door to the Beifong building for the two women. "I suppose it was a nice change of pace." He admitted.

"Can't exactly say the same for my stomach." Katara groaned. "I think I over did it with those teacakes."

"Told you they were good." Ty Lee winked, then jumped into Katara's arms for a hug.

Katara grunted, catching Ty Lee in time, and chuckled. Ty Lee could be a bit overbearing, but she was a genuine friend. Katara thought it was nice to be around someone so energetic. It gave her a boost when her emotions weighed down on her, plus it was all in good fun to enjoy another's company without always being so serious.

"Speaking of Zuko, how's he been, I barely see him around?" Ty Lee giggled, making Katara cover her mouth in a stifled laugh.

Aang's reaction to their exchange had him arching a brow. "Zuko? You mean the Agni heir? You know him, Kat?" He asked, his tone voicing both curiosity and hurt.

Katara brought a hand to her cheek, trying to hide the blush pinking her cheeks. "Yeah." She admitted. She had only informed a select amount of people of her relationship with Zuko. There was nothing to hide, of course but it was good not to be bombarded with unnecessary questions. Toph was moderate about it, while Suki supported her without a single inquiry. Ty Lee was excited for the two as well.

Keeping it amongst a small group of friends made it easier for her affiliation with Zuko to cultivate with more ease.

"You two hang out? Might want to be careful, I've heard he's known for being a playboy." Aang reciprocated, a reminder of why Katara hadn't mentioned dating Zuko to him. Aang was known for getting preachy over circumstances he didn't exactly agree with, and frankly, it was quite suffocating.

"I think I can judge that for myself, thank you, Aang." She countered, upset at how presumptuous he was coming off. One thing she couldn't stand about him was his need to shove his inaccurate assumptions in others' faces. She knew he meant well, but sometimes Aang's meanings could be disheartening.

"I'm only looking out for you, Katara. I'm just, I don't know, worried that's all."

"I'm a big girl, Aang." She smiled smally. "I can take care of myself."

Luckily, Ty Lee was out of earshot, skipping over to the lobby counter to set her to-go cup of tea next to her computer. "I just gotta run my purse to the breakroom, want me to take yours Katara?" she offered.

"Sure, thank you." She replied meekly. Aang's negative comment had her feeling cross.

Seeing her forced smile turn to a frown, Aang excused himself, informing the girls that he was going to use the vending machine to grab a bottled water. One thing that was in Katara's favor was that he wasn't good at confrontation.

Exhaling a deep sigh, Katara walked around the counter and slumped into her chair. The ache in her stomach from stuffing her face with over-sugared sweets was starting to finally settle. Aang's words had her vexed. It was enough that a some doubt was tugging at her heart.

It wasn't really that Zuko had her second guessing him personally, but she had the feeling he was holding back from her, not in a way that made her believe he was betraying her but more like he was too afraid to confess what he was truly thinking. When going into conversations about her family, Zuko seemed to sidestep any questions she presented to him about his, his answers quick to avoid details. She thought it best not press him on the issue. He may very well have a bad relationship with his family that she might not understand. Yet, when he mentioned his mother, it didn't appear as though that was the case.

Out of bad habit, Katara pursed her lips around a lock of hair and nibbled on it. What she wasn't aware of was the pale hand reaching for her chin. She gasped, startled by the gentle caress on her cheek before her chin was tilted upward and a pair of lips met hers.

Her eyes widened, stunned by the kiss she wasn't prepared for. Averting her gaze from the pair of lips that stole a kiss to the gold orbs of her lover, a smile broke out on her face. A giggle bubbled in her chest, calming the barrel of thoughts swarming in her head.

"You looked lonely there for a moment." Zuko smirked. "I had to do a bit of interference."

Katara leaned onto the counter in front of her, arms crossed. "And that's how you come to my rescue?" she quipped.

"I could think of many ways to come to your rescue, however, others might think it indecent."

"Are you trying to flatter me?" Katara speculated, biting the corner of her bottom lip.

"Is it working?" Zuko inquired in a low, amatory purr, knowing how much it sent shudders of arousal rippling through her body. He watched triumphantly as she tensed then shivered, imagining all the ways he could make her quiver like that again if he were between her legs.

Katara collected her resolve, willing her limbs from turning to jelly before retorting, "Careful with your references, they sound dangerous."

"I prefer to use the word exciting."

Katara sucked in her breath, releasing it in a heated mewl when Zuko leaned down to press a firm kiss to her lips again. She closed her eyes, inhaling through her nose sharply, opening her mouth along with his, the sound of soft smacking reaching her ears. Every kiss with him was like the first time or better. It had her feeling shook.

Zuko slid a hand behind her neck, leaning more over the counter to capture her mouth at a better angle. The coolness of her of lips and the soft wisps of her approving sighs caused his lower stomach to clench deliciously. He slipped his tongue into her mouth, sparking a burst of pleasure from dancing with hers. He swallowed his impending moan when she buried her fingers in his hair and it came out a low growl.

Their passionate make-out session had come to an abrupt stop when the couple felt other presences enter the room.

Ty Lee was suppressing a grin with pursed lips and Aang's face expressed utter horror. Embarrassment reddened Katara's cheeks and Zuko glared daggers at the man staring intensively at Katara.

"I hope we didn't disturb you two lovebirds." Ty Lee prodded.

Katara cleared her throat, shifting her gaze to her lap. Zuko kept his eyes on Aang, a frown turning om his lips, "Zuko." He greeted indifferently, meeting Aang halfway for a handshake.

Aang mumbled incoherently before returning the handshake and muttered. "Aang. I'm, uh, Katara's friend."

Zuko hummed in response, sizing him up. Zuko wasn't the type of guy to compete, even with Mai. The men his ex-girlfriend screwed didn't give him the energy to care enough to be jealous. With Katara, it was completely different. She meant more to him than she could realize.

"So," Aang started awkwardly. "How long have you been seeing Katara?" He croaked, the words looked as though they tasted like ashes in his mouth.

"Five months." Katara replied before Zuko could, a feeling of self-satisfaction substituting his gnawing jealousy.

The smug look on Zuko's face obviously bothered the man. "Really. Funny how you've failed mention him once."

The frown came back as a scowl.

"No offense, Aang, but that's because I'm not obligated to inform you of what goes on in every aspect of my life." Katara smarted.

Okay, Zuko brows shot up, that was tense. Was it just him or was there more between the two than what was on the surface?

Ty Lee loudly cleared her throat and interrupted with, "Soooo, lots to do, you guys. Me and Katara have a busy, busy day ahead of us." She gazed at Zuko in plead.

He nodded turning to Katara, he said. "I'll call you later, okay?"

"Okay." She said, accepting the chaste kiss he gave to her before waving goodbye and leaving the building.

Once Zuko disappeared from the lobby, her heart sank. She felt as though it was deliberately her fault for the way Aang found out about her relationship with Zuko. Even though, logically, it was pretty stupid to feel bad about, a part of her still felt responsible since she had been fully aware of his crush on her. Katara knew she should've confronted him sooner.

Ty Lee walked behind the counter to sit in front of her computer, hoping the awkward tension would subside but Aang hadn't moved an inch from where he stood after catching Katara and Zuko fervently making out.

"So, you're dating him." It was more of a statement than a question, the awe in his gray eyes wouldn't decease. "Zuko Agni?"

Katara sighed, turning in her chair. "Ty Lee? Can you give me and Aang a few minutes?"

The girl jumped up, "Oh, yeah, it's fine. I gotta, uh, go potty anyway! Excuse me." She sped, rushing out of the lobby.

Katara looked at her friend, one of her best, in concern. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Aang. He had been good to her, and if she felt the slightest bit the same as he did, she would gladly accept him as a potential boyfriend but that was the thing, she felt nothing other than close friendship. "I don't know what you want me to say, Aang." She admitted.

Aang, averted his gaze and swallowed hard. "I-I…how could you?" He asked accusingly.

Katara's brows furrowed. "How could I what?" She carefully got up to approach him from behind the counter.

"I thought you-" He stopped himself. "Isn't it odd for you to be dating such a man."

"And what would you know about what kind of man Zuko is?" She defended. "Look, I appreciate how much you worry about me, I do, but understand that I can handle whatever is thrown at me. I care about him, a lot."

"And what about me?" Aang asked carefully.

She gave a short, sad laugh. "Of course, I care about you, Aang. You're my best friend." She rubbed his arm only for him to jerk back angrily.

"And that's it?"

"Yes, that's it. I've implied nothing more than that, if that's what you're asking. I'm sorry, but there's nothing more."

Aang throws up his hands like a temperamental child. "Why? Help me understand. Because one minute, I'm thinking there's something between us and the next you're seeing that scumbag, Jet, only to jump into the next guy's arms."

Katara tensed, first in shock then anger. "What exactly are you accusing me of, Aang? Clarify! Because last I checked, I hadn't led you on in the least! In fact, I don't owe you an explanation, because in the end, you were never my boyfriend!"

"Whatever." Aang sneered, brushing by her to retreat to the elevators. "Nice to know what kind of girl you turned out to be." He commented.

Katara was thrown off by his comment. She understood that he was upset but it did not justify him implying that she was promiscuous. Her eyes stayed on the elevators even after they closed, unsure of how to move or think. Her shoulders slumped and her gaze cast to the floor.


Zuko could tell something was bothering Katara since yesterday and if he had to guess, it was most likely that Aang guy he was introduced to at her job. Over the months they had gotten to know each other, he had always sensed when she was down. Katara did her best to hide it with no avail. He knew her little quirks and what her behavior entailed.

He nuzzled his nose into the shell of her ear, hardly giving attention to the movie playing on the tv. Katara had invited Zuko over to her place for a movie. They lied in her bed in their sleepwear, spooning, as she idly stroked her fingers into the palm of his hand.

Zuko wanted to ask her what he was wrong, and what he could do to help, but he was fixated on her gentle touch and the warmth of her body. Their legs entangled under the blanket. He adored the way she looked in a dark blue tee and a pair of red boxers he had mistakenly left over her place one night. One might think with the constant flirting and the many nights they had spent over each other's places, they were actually sleeping together. They hadn't made it to intercourse and Zuko was okay with taking things at their own pace.

For now. He enjoyed the little ways they played with each other as well as the long nights they spent talking, revealing pieces of themselves neither of them have opened up to anyone else.

Zuko felt guilty for holding off on her. In due time, he will tell her everything without a single detail left out.

"What's on your mind?" He asked, brushing her hair from her face.

Her striking blue eyes directed at him, the light of the tv reflecting in her cerulean gaze.

Knowing she couldn't hide anything from Zuko, Katara flipped to her other side to face him and smiled softly. "Just my friend, I guess. He still refuses to talk to me."

Bullseye. "I don't want to get too into it if you prefer me not to but all I can say is, give him time. Sensitive situations call for contemplation. He'll come around, I'm sure of it. However, I'm not an expert at friendships, my circle's pretty small." He chuckled.

"Hmm, how did you get to be so wise?" Katara nudged, chuckling at his mock surprise. "That's very sweet, Zuko. You're right, I should give him time. Aang wears his heart on his sleeve but he's a good person. I'm sure it'll be a matter of time before we can become close again."

He wasn't too keen on the 'close' part.

Zuko tugged her closer, provoking a startled shriek. He loved the odd noises she made. From their playful exchanges to the sounds she made from his intimate touches, he had never met a girl who responded so vocally to his ministrations. It was amusing.

He buried his nose into the crook of her neck, breathing in the scent of ocean he had grown accustomed to. Memory triggered of the perfume his mother was due to release this upcoming spring and winter was only midway. He mused at weather she had come up with a proper name yet.

"Your breath tickles." Katara snickered, running her hands up and down his back, dipping her fingers into the waistband of his pajama pants .

Zuko brushed his lips over her pulse, hardly catching the mummer Katara responded with. He opened his mouth to taste her skin on his tongue and suckled. Her leg wrapped around his waist, sensually grinding her hips into his, Zuko's arousal at full attention.

The air grew hot and Zuko had yet to retract his hungry mouth from her neck. But there were pressing matters he wanted to present before proceeding to provoke more of those alluring sounds.

"Katara?" He whispered, laying brazing kisses from behind her ear to her jaw, stopping to place a firm one on her lips. "Have you, I don't know, thought about a future-with me?"

The glaze in her eyes disappeared and Katara cocked her head. Once she comprehended his words, hat rose in her cheeks. "I-Yes, I have."

The smile he displayed had her heart pacing a mile a minute. Did he know how charming he could be or was he unconscious of it?

"So, it should come at no surprise to me that you would want to be my girlfriend?"

Katara nuzzled her nose against his, ecstatic by where he was leading this. She had been patient, willing and ready when Zuko wanted to make things official between them. It was impending, of course, but hearing him say the words were all the more enthralling. Zuko made her so happy. She mirrored his lopsided grin, unable to contain the joy igniting inside her.

"I take it that's what you're asking me?" She asked cheekily.

"Very much so."

"Then consider it a done deal."